Best Fans In America: Working to Change the Culture of College Football Tailgating

Publication Date: 2015
Tag(s): event management, tailgating
Author(s): the National Center for Campus Public Safety (NCCPS), National Center for Campus Public Safety (NCCPS)
URL: Best Fans In America: Working to Change the Culture of College Football Tailgating
Abstract: Kim Dude - Director, Wellness Resource Center, University of Missouri discusses the essentials of managing tailgating. Tailgating at football games is a college tradition. Tailgating can be fun and truly enhance the fan experience. However, all too often high risk drinking during tailgating can result in alcohol poisoning, violence and vandalism. The University of Missouri has taken a proactive approach to problematic tailgating. The Wellness Resource Center, in partnership with the Athletic Department and the Fan Behavior Task Force has created comprehensive social norming and environmental management strategies that have proven effective in decreasing the high-risk drinking rate among Mizzou students and fans during home football games. Kim Dude discusses Mizzou's comprehensive social norms marketing campaign as well as campus leadership and other environmental strategies incorporated to encourage responsible use of alcohol at home football games.